The Village of Empress

Cigarette Butts

🚬Don’t be a butt!

🔥A small fire can become a large fire very quickly, especially in dry
conditions! Tossing cigarette butts out your vehicle window can easily start
a fire.

🌧️Even though there has been a bit of moisture, things are still very dry!
Throwing a butt out your window can result in severe damages to farmers,
ranchers and producers throughout the Special Areas.

🚬Dispose of cigarette butts responsibly – don’t be a butt!
 

Highway 899 road work south of Empress to Highway 41

The pre-construction meeting is now completed and engineers are anticipating initial preparatory work will get going September 11 or shortly thereafter.  The millings will be going to a MD of Acadia owned gravel pit located north of the river, roughly 3 km west of the intersection of Highways 562 & 899.  Paving operations will be commencing approximately September 19, and estimated to take 6 or 7 days.  The engineers will keep the Village of Empress Administration apprised of any further updates.

A construction notice bulletin will be compiled in the next week or so by the engineers (Morrison Hershfield), that we will be distributed to Village of Empress residents, business owners, and any other interested parties, to help ensure that everyone is as informed as possible.  Thank you for your continued patience.
 

Splash Park hours this Labour Day Weekend

 
Friday through Monday,
Sept 1-4,
1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Water restrictions lifted!

The water restrictions have been lifted because the water well maintenance went well.  As time goes on we will see how the water flow and production is, and hopefully will have good news on that front, and Splash Park days/hours.
 

Last Empress Garden Market of the year!

Saturday, September 2, 2023 @ 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Empress Community Hall, 314 Centre Street

Well Servicing Update!!!!

The water well servicing went well on Saturday (today Aug 26), and is wrapped up.  However, water restrictions remain in effect till at least Monday Aug 28th noon.  The Village thanks you for your cooperation.
 

Well Servicing & Splash Park update

The well servicing has been moved to Saturday, August 26, 2023.  Water restrictions are in effect again that day.  Please note that while the well is serviced your water will not be shut off – there will be water in the tower its just that water restrictions will be in place and the splash park will be shut off.  The Village thanks residents for their patience and if you are unsure about the water schedule please phone the office or email us at info@villageofempress.ca or text 403-763-7596.  Thanks so much.

The Splash Park will be open on Sunday from 1-8 pm.
 

Farming Fire Safety

Special Areas Board Fire Services often sees an increase in bale stack fires during runs of hot, hot, hot weather!  Here’s how you can reduce your risks and keep that valuable resource safe this season:

🌞   Check your bale stacks during hot weather (25+) to make sure they are not creating a fire hazard on your farm.  Bale stacks can sometimes accumulate significant amounts of moisture -especially if they are stacked tightly.  High temperatures and moisture levels can result in spontaneous combustion of stored feed, especially green or hotter feed.

🌡   Here’s a tip from our SAB Fire Chief – make sure you check bale temperatures in the mornings when ambient temperatures are lower.  You can use a heat gun, bale probe, or any other tool that gives you a temperature reading.  Make sure you check bales in the inside of your stacks – these ones are likely to heat up the most.

🚜   If you find a hot bale, make sure you open your bale stack up and remove any hot or heating bales. Move them to a location with minimal vegetation and away from any other combustibles or structures.  If you need assistance controlling any fire hazards, please contact your local fire department or Special Areas Fire Services.

🧯   Split any large feed stacks into smaller groupings in multiple locations.  This will help reduce your risk if any bales do heat up or create a fire hazard.  Storing feed so any accumulated moisture can evaporate out will also reduce risk of bales heating up.
 

Tax Arrears Recovery

Tax Arrears Recovery

The Village politely reminds all ratepayers that are in tax arrears that come January 1, 2024, a third-party contractor will be employed to recover taxes in arrears.  Please note that the process may result in additional charges (for those in 2 or 3 or more years of arrears ONLY) which will be added to your roll.  The Village of Empress politely reminds those in tax arrears to make sufficient payments by Dec 31, 2023, midnight or please visit the office to plan for incremental or monthly payments.  Taxes can best be paid via Interac to payments@villageofempress.ca and please provide a return email for receipt.  See our Bill Payments page.  If you have any questions email the office at info@villageofempress.ca or phone us Tue to Fri between 10am and 2pm at 403-565-3938.  Thank you.
 

August Council Meeting (revised agenda)

Wednesday, August 23 @ 6:30 pm Regular Council Meeting Empress Village Office Building 6 3 Avenue West